At first glance, Crunchyroll sleeper hitTadaima, Okaeri, one of2024’s many LGBTQ+ anime, might seem like an unlikely fit for fans ofSpy x Family.Spy x Familyis nominally a high-octane franchise about the exploits of three unrelated spies passing as a family. In reality, much of its appeal arises fromits depiction of domesticity and the efforts by Loid, Yor, and Anya Forger to cultivate a supportive, normal household.
Spy x Familypulls a bait-and-switch where its tough exterior gives way to the Forger household’s navigation of daily life and mundanities like Yor’s prying brother.
Tadaima, Okaeriis an unabashed boys' love (BL) with no problem deploying genre tropes. The BL foundation might be a turn-off for some, but open-minded individuals will findit scratches a similar itch toSpy x Family.Tadaima, Okaeriis notable for beinga normative depiction of a same-sex couple trying to raise a child(and later, children). The series has an indefatigable charm which will perfectly mirror the domestic dynamics that fans anxiously awaitingSpy x Family’s third seasonare craving.
10 Best Anime Fans of Spy x Family Need to Watch
Spy x Family has ignited an interest in spy-based anime. Fortunately, there are many great series, each with their own take on this winning formula.
LikeSpy x Family,Tadaima, OkaeriShows Trouble In Paradise
Outside Challenges Threaten The Forger And Fujiyoshi Families Alike
Tadaima, Okaeriis a series which uses well-worn BL tropes to depict a loving family with authentic challenges. The series is based on what BL fans call the Omegaverse, where relationships and attractionsarise from domination hierarchies rather than gender preference.Tadaima, Okaerihas three kinds of people:
In this world, alpha-omega relationships are stigmatized, andpeople typically get together with the same type. The main characters, Masaki and Hiromu Fujiyoshi, try to live normally and raise their son Hikari in the face of social barriers and stigmas. Some elements ring true with real-world LGBTQ+ struggles, while more unrealistic elements ground the series and still provide food for thought.
A main allure ofSpy x Familyis observing as, amid the grand contrival, familial devotion starts to show. The mutual care between the Forgers provides the series' best moments. WhileTadaima, Okaeridoesn’t share the same air of overcoming familial pretense, itdoesshare sentimentality prevailing over exterior circumstances.
10 Best Spy x Family Anya Moments That Prove Why She’s the Franchise’s Mascot
Anya is the true star of Spy x Family and one of anime’s most memorable heroes, and these ten moments prove why she is worthy of these achievements.
Like Anya, Hikari Is Devious And Silly
Spy x FamilyAndTadaima, OkaeriBoth Depict Children Thoughtfully
It’s undeniable that the most heartwarming and giggle-inducing part ofSpy x Familyis Anya, the lovable child who always seems to beup to something. Anya shares space with Hikari in a recent wave ofintelligently written but adorable characters, often but not always children. Their youth isn’t undermined, but both constantly stand up for themselves and their families.Their naive worldview and principled defiance provide countless laughs. If he weren’t written so cleverly as to stand on his own, Hikari would be a dead ringer for Anya.
Vague descriptions only do so much. To describe a scene distinctly reminding ofSpy x Family: Hikari is starting to be given responsibilities following the birth of his brother, Hinata, and is asked to drop a letter off. As he leaves, he repeatedly turns around, waves, and shouts “byebye!” before finally making it out of the gate — just to be brought right back by the neighbor. It’s a minor moment, but it shows howthe tender heart at the core ofSpy x Family,which makes it so relatable and infectious to begin with, is undeniably present inTadaima, Okaeri.
Tadaima, Okaeri
Cast
Masaki Fujiyoshi, a stay-at-home husband with self-doubt, and his elite salaryman husband, Hiromu, navigate the challenges of parenthood and societal expectations as they raise their young son, Hikari. Despite the discrimination they face, their bond grows stronger as they embrace the joys and struggles of family life in a heartwarming, slice-of-life drama.
